News Releases for February 2004
February 11, 2004
For further information, please contact: Rob Keller (701) 333-2195
Hoeven Issues Snow Emergency Declaration For North Dakota
Executive Order 2004-02 
(128 kb pdf)
Proclamation: Snow Emergency For North Dakota, February 11, 2004 (140 kb pdf)
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today issued a statewide snow emergency declaration for North Dakota because heavy snowfall, snowdrifts of up to 20 feet and continuing storm conditions have impeded snow removal efforts.
The State Operations Center (SOC) has been receiving reports from several counties where officials are involved in heavier than normal snow removal and transportation route maintenance. The National Weather Service (NWS) has reported near record snowfall in some areas of the state; the state is one-half of the way through the winter season.
“The situation is seriously hampering livestock feeding operations and rural transportation, and it is increasing public health and safety concerns,” Hoeven said. “So far local officials have been keeping up, but they are concerned that conditions will continue to deteriorate before they get better.”
“The declaration provides for cooperative efforts among local jurisdictions and allows limited N.D. Department of Transportation (DOT) assistance in areas where state and local routes intersect,” said Doug Friez, State Director of the North Dakota Division of Emergency Management.
Today’s declaration will provide public awareness regarding the potential health and public safety dangers of snow and wind occurrences; it will provide the opportunity for local officials to communicate and cooperate with intra-jurisdictional agreements. It also gives local officials the ability to adjust items within their budgets for flexibility to prioritize emphasis on snow removal.
The gubernatorial action also activates the SOC so that conditions can be appropriately and continually monitored.
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